Dorset County Hospital dermatology service saturated with patients

DORSET’S dermatology service is ‘saturated’ with patients waiting for appointments. A meeting of governors heard that because the dermatologists at Dorset County Hospital have a positive reputation, they are struggling to keep up with demand. Concerns were raised after a woman took her daughter to accident and emergency as she didn’t want to wait for an appointment.

There are currently three consultants at the hospital and a locum about to start.

But even with the extra help, the service is ‘still going to struggle’.

Director of operations Patricia Miller told the meeting that if the patient does not have cancer, the waiting time is around three months.

She added: “Since the new consultant started the list is absolutely saturated with referrals, now they can’t keep up with the demand that’s coming through.